"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"  (Esther 4:14 NLT)

The changes for the new season seem to be happening all around us -- it is cooler, leaves are starting to change (where I am) and the new "fall schedule" is pretty much going strong.  The changes, from the move, are getting adjusted to (or worked through) and the boxes are slowly going away.  Each step, each box, each new thing reminds of special memories OR how things are changing.

The Scripture reading, this morning, in Esther, is also happening amid a LOT of changes.  Esther is now queen and so is in a position to help.  The thing is she is also a young woman learning the new ways of the changes happening in her life.  Now there need to be more changes and she is being asked to help.  The question is raised "for such a time as this?"  Esther's response to pray, AND ask others to be in prayer with her, so she can be doing what needs to be done.

As we continue to face the changes happening around us are we taking the time to stop and pray?  Are we taking the time needed to be listening for what God is saying to us?  Are there others we could be asking to be in prayer with us?  Are we feeling God's presence, and strength, as we move forward?  Something to think about....  "for such a time as this"......

"Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches.  Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit.  For apart from me you can do nothing."  (John 15:5  NLT)

Crazy schedules that are changing - new month and the start of a new season (kind of) being just a few of the changes happening.  Of course there is also the "regular" things we try to keep up with while trying to work the "new" things in.  All of which makes getting things finished more interesting.  Then we try to add in time with God.  I don't know about you but I have time with God every morning, before my feet hit the floor, and every night before I turn out the light.  Scripture readings, prayer time and time to "listen" is enough - right?

The Scripture this morning is calling us to more.  It is calling us to make sure we are spending time working with, listening to and "remaining" in the vine. Time studying, and IN God's Word -- strengthening our relationship with God.  I recently saw this compared to a buffet - something we all encounter on a regular basis.  I hadn't thought of it until I saw this.....  The meat is usually at the "end."  Or, like on a recent trip, there was a LOT more potatoes, veggies and salads to choose from than "meat" -- so we fill our plates with other things THEN get the meat.

How often are we doing that with God?  How often are we filling our days with activities - especially the ones God has called us to - with our taking time to STOP and be with God?  How often are we doing all of these things without putting God FIRST?  Are we REALLY "remaining in the vine"?  Something to think about.........